How to Import Dry Fruits from India — Complete Buyer Guide 2026

Why Import Dry Fruits from India?

India is the undisputed global hub for dry fruits. The numbers speak for themselves:

Why international buyers choose India:

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Step-by-Step Import Process

Importing dry fruits from India involves 8 clear steps. Here is the exact workflow:

Step 1: Find a Reliable Supplier

Where to find exporters:

Red flags to avoid:

Green flags:

Step 2: Request Samples and Evaluate

Every first-time import should begin with samples. This costs ₹500–2,000 ($6–25 USD) and saves you from a ₹5 lakh+ wrong shipment.

What to request:

Evaluation criteria:

Step 3: Negotiate Pricing and Payment Terms

Once you are satisfied with the sample, you move to negotiation.

Typical FOB pricing (ex-India) April 2026:

Payment terms:

Quantity negotiation:

Step 4: Place the Order

Once pricing and terms are agreed, the exporter will send a Pro Forma Invoice — this is a commercial offer, not an invoice.

Pro Forma Invoice details:

Your action items:

Step 5: Production and Quality Assurance

This phase typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on:

What happens during production:

Quality checkpoints:

Step 6: Shipping and Documentation

This is where international logistics comes in. Your exporter handles most of it, but you need to understand what is happening.

Shipping method options:

Sea Freight (Most Common — 15-25 days)

Air Cargo (Express — 3-5 days)

Major Ports for Dry Fruits Export:

Required Shipping Documents:

Your exporter should send you:

Step 7: Customs Clearance at Destination

When the shipment arrives at your destination port, you or your customs broker handles clearance.

Typical process:

Timeline: 3-7 days if all documents are correct; 2-4 weeks if there are issues (missing certifications, customs hold, etc.)

Cost breakdown for a 1 MT shipment (example):

Step 8: Quality Check at Warehouse

Once shipment arrives at your warehouse, do an immediate quality check:

First 24 hours:

If quality issues found:

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Key Documents You Need to Import

Your checklist before placing an order:

From Supplier (India):

From Your End (Destination Country):

During Shipment (Exporter Provides):

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HS Codes for Indian Dry Fruits

You will need HS (Harmonized System) codes for customs declaration. Here are the main ones:

| Product | HS Code | Example |

|---------|---------|---------|

| Makhana (Fox Nuts) | 0802 99 00 | Fresh or dried nuts |

| Almonds | 0802 12 00 | Shelled, blanched, or natural |

| Cashews | 0801 32 00 | Shelled cashew kernels |

| Raisins | 0806 20 00 | Dried grapes |

| Walnuts | 0802 32 00 | Walnut kernels |

| Pumpkin Seeds | 1207 99 90 | Oil seeds and olerous fruits |

| Chia Seeds | 1207 99 90 | Oil seeds (same as pumpkin) |

| Black Pepper | 0908 00 00 | Spices |

| Cardamom | 0910 00 00 | Spices (cardamom) |

Why HS codes matter: Customs uses these codes to classify your shipment and apply the correct duty rate. Make sure your exporter uses the same HS codes on all documents.

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Shipping Options: Comparison

| Option | Cost | Time | Best For | Risks |

|--------|------|------|----------|-------|

| Sea Freight (FCL 20ft) | $600–1,200 | 15–25 days | 3+ MT orders, budget shipping | Weather delays, long transit time |

| Sea Freight (LCL) | $1,500–2,500 | 20–30 days | 500 kg–2 MT | Longer time, consolidation delays |

| Air Cargo | $4–8/kg | 3–5 days | <500 kg, urgent orders | High cost, weight restrictions |

| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Exporter arranges all | 20–30 days | First-time importers | Less control, exporter handles risk |

Pro tip: For your first import, negotiate a CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) quote. Exporter covers shipping; you handle customs at destination. This is the safest for beginners.

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Quality Checks Before Importing

Do not rely solely on sample approval. Implement a quality assurance process:

Pre-Shipment Inspection:

Lab Testing (Mandatory):

Cost of testing:

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Common Mistakes First-Time Importers Make

1. Not Requesting Samples First

The mistake: Directly placing a 5 MT order without tasting the product.

The cost: If quality is bad, you are stuck with ₹3–4 lakhs of unsaleable stock.

The fix: Always order samples (500g–1kg) and evaluate for at least 3-5 days before bulk ordering.

2. Ignoring Phytosanitary Requirements

The mistake: Not ensuring exporter has obtained phytosanitary certificate for your destination country.

The result: Shipment gets held at customs, causing 2-4 week delays and fines.

The fix: Before placing order, confirm exporter knows your destination country's phytosanitary requirements. Ask them to confirm it in writing.

3. Not Verifying IEC Number

The mistake: Ordering from a company claiming to be an exporter, but they do not have a valid IEC.

The result: Shipment is legally blocked; exporter may disappear.

The fix: Verify IEC on DGFT website. Cross-check company name, address.

4. Paying 100% Upfront

The mistake: Sending full payment before shipment.

The risk: If exporter is unscrupulous, they pocket the money and delay/never ship.

The safe method: 30% advance (to secure production), 70% against B/L copy.

5. Not Checking MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

The mistake: Wanting to import 100 kg makhana; exporter MOQ is 500 kg.

Result: Either you are forced to buy more, or order is rejected.

The fix: Always confirm MOQ in writing before sample request.

6. Underestimating Transit Time

The mistake: Placing order expecting 7-day delivery; actual time is 30 days.

Result: Your inventory planning fails; customers waiting.

The fix: Add 15-20 days to exporter's quoted timeline. Account for consolidation, port delays, customs.

7. Not Having an Import License

The mistake: Attempting to clear customs without necessary import license from your country.

Result: Shipment is seized; ₹ lakh+ loss.

The fix: Before importing, check your country's requirements. Many require import license for food products. Get it before placing order.

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Why Chau Foods for Your First Import

If you are considering importing from India and want a reliable partner, here is why Chau Foods is an ideal first supplier:

Credentials:

What we offer:

Export Products:

Next steps:

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Quick Recap: Your First Import Checklist

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The Bottom Line

Importing dry fruits from India is straightforward if you follow the process: find supplier → request sample → evaluate → negotiate → pay advance → produce → ship → clear customs → receive.

The biggest mistake is skipping the sample stage. A ₹1,000 sample investment can save you from a ₹5 lakh shipment disaster.

Ready to import? Start with Chau Foods. We handle the complexity so you can focus on selling.